Kaylee Wong '20 Featured as Cover Image of Recent Dance Spirit Magazine Alumni Profile

Meet Kaylee Wong

Major/Program

Dance (modern)

Graduation

April 2020

Hometown

Silver Spring, Md.

High School

James Hubert Blake High School

Now Living In

New York, N.Y.

Dream Job

Joining a contemporary dance company and travelling the world while finding a balance for my love of photography. To contribute to this form of art, as well as being able to document the journey through the realm of lens.

What factors led you to pursue a B.F.A. in dance (modern) from Point Park University?

I wanted to select a program that would provide the best dance training. By choosing a conservatory with a dance program, this allowed me to intensify my focus on honing my skills and technique as well as exposed me to different styles and textures of dance. The idea of maintaining diversity in my capabilities was extremely important to me.

Alumnus Rob Priore — who introduced me to contemporary dance at home and also teaches International Summer Dance at Point Park — spoke highly of Point Park's rigorous dance program. When I toured campus, I fell deeply in love as the space that was shared among the dancers seemed incredibly safe and encouraging. I chose to begin my journey at Point Park knowing I was going to be facing a variety of challenges, but would most importantly learn in a safe space that would allow me to grow physically and mentally.

How were you selected as the cover image of a recent Dance Spirit magazine?

Garfield Lemonius, M.F.A., chair and associate professor of dance, forwarded an email from the magazine's editor to the Class of 2020. The magazine was honoring the achievements of graduating seniors by designing a digital cover for each day during the month of May.

While not thinking much about it, as there are so many graduating seniors in the world, I thought I’d give it a try and submitted one of my favorite photos (taken by my classmate Stephanie Perez '20). My photo was selected as a digital cover on May 17, 2020! 

What does it mean to you to be selected as the cover image?

It meant the world to me! Due to the pandemic, this was the unfortunate and abrupt ending of my college storyline that I was not expecting. I wasn’t able to get the monumental closure that I have waited for, for all four years. This tiny gesture from Dance Sprit helped recognized that the Class of 2020 wasn’t forgotten. This cover served as my personal closure to my senior year at Point Park University.

In what ways did the dance faculty and classes impact you as a student?

The faculty pushed me to test my limits. At times when training may have been difficult, I felt the extensive pushes my beloved mentors have provided me has helped bring to light a variety of emotional and physical awakenings; that improvements can always be made. I can be stubborn, and it has been an eye-opening experience that my idea of limits are not actually my limits. I have grown mentally, and with the help of the faculty I am adaptable.

What are your favorite college experiences as a dance major?

I loved when we had guest artists and choreographers in class. This provided us a glimpse of the professional dance world beyond Point Park, gave us a taste of new styles and allowed us to see ourselves in different lights. It was encouraging to hear first-hand that every journey is different. 

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I would like to thank the Department of Dance and my peers for supporting and trusting me to practice and photograph their craft. The love and support I received at Point Park has made me undeniably grateful. To be surrounded by many different talented individuals within this sacred space is the best thing I could have asked for. 

More About: dance, international summer dance, George Rowland White Performance Center, faculty, modern, Conservatory of Performing Arts, guest artists, alumni